Can You Claim Vehicle Depreciation Compensation After a Traffic Accident in Istanbul?

Total loss versus depreciation

Post-repair depreciation is the difference between a vehicle’s pre-accident and repaired market values. It is different from total-loss compensation. Where repair is uneconomic, the relevant loss is assessed using pre-accident market value and the treatment of salvage. Adding post-repair depreciation for the same total loss would duplicate compensation.

An undervalued total-loss payment

A dispute over an understated pre-accident value differs from a post-repair depreciation claim. Comparable vehicles, mileage, equipment, previous damage, expert findings and salvage arrangements should be assessed. A historic heavy-damage record must not be confused with whether repair after the present accident is economical.

Application and evidence

Keep the accident report, registration, policy, photographs, expert report, market evidence and payment or release documents. Policy type, coverage, fault and prior payments matter. For compulsory motor liability claims, observe the written application and response procedure in Article 97 of the Highway Traffic Law. Arbitration or proceedings before the competent court may then be available.

Time limits and jurisdiction

Jurisdiction is not determined simply by whether a claim exceeds TRY 5,000. Parties and the legal relationship matter. Article 109 limitation rules and any longer applicable criminal limitation period require separate calculation.

Legal basis

Highway Traffic Law, Articles 97, 109; actual-loss assessment

Legal information: This article provides general information on Turkish law. The documents, dates and applicable rules of each case require individual assessment.